The 6th summit of eight developing countries (D-8) started in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Turkey is represented by Foreign Minister Ali Babacan at the meeting.

The 6th summit of eight developing countries (D-8) started in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

Turkey is represented by Foreign Minister Ali Babacan at the meeting.

Heads of state and government and foreign ministers of D-8 countries; Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Turkey agreed on a visa facilitation deal on the first day of the summit.

Leaders are expected to approve another agreement on preferential trade to improve trade between D-8 countries.

D-8 leaders are also expected to approve another document regarding permanent secretariat to be established in Istanbul.

D-8 is a group of developing countries that have formed an economic development alliance at a conference in Istanbul in 1997.

The objectives of D-8 are to improve developing countries' positions in the world economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at the international level, and provide better standards of living.

Babacan addresses D-8 summit

"Efforts we exert to take best advantage of the potentials of our countries will benefit our nations," said Ali Babacan, calling for "active" cooperation among D-8 countries with long-term policies.

Babacan said Turkish exports to D-8 countries in 2007 reached 2.9 billion USD and its imports from the D-8 stood at some 11.1 billion USD.

The Turkish minister conveyed his expectation that the summit would follow suit with a D-8 Foreign Ministers Council in deciding that the secretariat of the organization would permanently settle in Istanbul.

Babacan also urged the member countries to adopt in the shortest possible time a visa facilities agreement which would allow simpler visa requirements for businesspeople.